Denver Taiko
For one day only, the 26th Annual Greater Kansas City Japan Festival brings the distinctive culture of Japan to metropolitan Kansas City! The Festival will take place Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 am to 7 pm, on the campus of Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Hosted by the local Heart of America Japan-America Society (HAJAS), the Festival is designed to transport audiences into the unique culture of Japan, past and present.
This year’s theme is Yokai and Japanese Folklore. Yokai are mysterious, mystical beings who emerged centuries ago in Japanese storytelling. Now, Yokai range from dangerous and aggressive, to mischievous, to fortuitous. Some are supernaturally powerful; others are spirits of nature. Through the evolution of Yokai the spirits have emerged as prominent pop-culture figures in Japan, and especially Anime. Yokai folklore has travelled from ancient culture to today, demonstrating the captivating thread storytelling weaves throughout Japanese history.
The Yokai theme features performances, including a traditional Japanese dance featuring a Fox Spirit, a Rakugo performance, Yokai- themed Cosplay Contest and Parade, Stilt Walker, lectures and discussions about Yokai, and, about Godzilla.
Many Festival favorites return this year! Powerful sounds from our local Three Trails Taiko, and history-making Denver Taiko performers, will excite audiences. “Taiko” refers to a dynamic Japanese style of drumming that originated centuries ago.
Always popular, martial arts will be explored, including Aikido defense techniques, the art of Kendo sword skills, and Sojutsu — art of the spear.
Aya Uchida, internationally recognized “J-Pop” singer from Kyoto, Japan, will perform with Jo Yamanaka, a Kansas City musician and songwriter, who accompanies Aya on the guitar.
Miyuki Sugimori, Japanese Candy Artist, creates tiny sculptures on site. Miyuki performed at Epcot Center’s Japanese Pavilion for almost two decades. Japanese candy artistry dates back 250 years.
Watch the classic presentation of Japanese tea ceremony, a choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese Matcha. Local Garden Master Koji Morimoto will present principles of Japanese Garden Design. Experience the Japanese Bazaar shopping extravaganza, cultural exhibits, Japanese Children’s Village, Anime & Manga, workshops . . . and of course, food! Savor delicious offerings from food vendors and our local Oriental Supermarket.
Greater Kansas City Japan Festival is a cultural event like no other! Don’t miss it.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.kcjapanfestival.org.
–Jama Akers
